Raga Madhyamad Sarang - Drut Khyal

Raga Madhyamad Sarang – Drut Khyal is a classical vocal performance by Kishori Amonkar, a prominent exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana in Hindustani classical music. The recording features a khyal composition set in drut (fast) tempo, rendered in the evening raga Madhyamad Sarang, characterized by its use of komal re (flattened second) and shuddha ma (pure fourth) with a contemplative yet expansive melodic structure.

Amonkar performs the piece in the traditional khyal format, beginning with a measured alaap that explores the raga’s phrases before transitioning into the composed bandish (lyrical theme). The recording spans a duration of 10 minutes and 0 seconds. Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though khyal performances of this era typically included tabla and tanpura support.

The release year and original format of this recording are not explicitly verified in public records. Amonkar’s renditions of Madhyamad Sarang appear in multiple live and studio contexts, with this specific track circulated through archival collections and reissues. No commercial label is confirmed for this version, though her works were historically published by institutions such as HMV (His Master’s Voice) and Music Today during her active career.

Notable aspects of the performance include Amonkar’s use of meend (glissando) and gamak (oscillation) to emphasize the raga’s emotional depth, alongside her signature improvisational approach to taan (fast melodic passages). The composition’s text, if present, adheres to conventional khyal themes of devotion or nature, though the exact lyrics are not transcribed in accessible references.

Kishori Amonkar (1931–2017) received widespread acclaim for her contributions to Hindustani vocal music, particularly for her interpretations of rare and complex ragas. This recording exemplifies her mastery of the Jaipur-Atrauli style, marked by intricate rhythmic play and a deep exploration of shruti (microtonal) nuances.